Review on 🗺️ Janlynn Cross Stitch Kit - 15x18 Inches - Olde World Map by Michelle Langley

I just finished this pattern. It took me 14 months doing odd jobs (sometimes putting it off for weeks). I deviated a little from the scheme. I omitted some place names (China and India) because it would be odd to only list a few countries. I also didn't use beads and pearls because I felt they made the design cheaper. The color of the real thread is definitely lighter than the picture. I wish the colors weren't so bright (to make the finished product look more antique), but I still think it's beautiful. I am providing an image of my product, but it looks better when properly smoothed, matted and framed. Having finished, I would like to make a few remarks for those who decide to adopt this scheme in the future. 1) This is a pretty easy circuit if you are an experienced cross. There are many quarter stitches, reverse stitches, and French knots, but these are pretty standard. However, the instructions are not as clear as in the dimension templates. If you have never done this type of stitch, you can google the terms to learn the techniques. As always, you need to start with lighter colors and end with darker ones. Move outwards from the center. Cross stitch first, of course, and finish with a reverse stitch and knot. 2) I always cut the threads in half to avoid tangling and to make the thread easier to work with. Some reviewers here have complained about the organizer of the thread. I found it annoying but easy to learn how to get around. Whatever you do, don't remove the thread from the organizer and return any excess thread to its intended place. You can consider the colors that should be saved together as keys to matching characters with the correct thread color. For example, on Chart C in cell 12 there is only one thread "Light Pink” which is easy to identify, so you know the other color in that cell should be "Light Teal” which is very similar to several other colors.3) Make copies of the template. Since it was double sided and folded, as I turned it back and forth, the area near the crease/crease began to deteriorate. This was especially problematic when trying to sew backwards. 4) I haven't run out of thread. In fact, I had a lot of leftovers of each color. But after reading reviews from other people who have run out of floss, I've been consistently extremely conservative with flossing. This led to some unpleasant consequences. For example, regarding the topstitching of the long lines that run the length of the design with very dark mocha brown thread (at the edges), I sewed too tightly (to hold the thread) which made the project difficult to complete too embarrassed. I ended up regretting it because I ended up with so much brown thread left over. Do not do that! You will have enough thread if you make wise decisions and don't waste thread. For example, if you need to use thread of the same color in another location that is far from where you are currently working, it is better to secure and cut the thread than to pull the thread down the length of the drawing to a new location. 5) For some reason I found the colors "Light Old Gold" and "Dark Gold Beige" very confusing. These are two colors organized into packs outside of the three color charts. Based on the thread color names, pattern picture and pattern, I was wondering if the manufacturer had mixed up the colors. Dark Gold Beige is actually lighter than Light Old Gold. As a result, I almost accidentally replaced one with the other (in other words, I almost changed places), and therefore there was such a discrepancy in the number of these strands (there were 28 "Old World" lengths and only 14 Colors "Dark Golden Beige"), I was able to catch myself before I made this mistake. Just wanted to point this out so others don't get confused and try to switch these colors. If you do, you will definitely run out of thread. 6) The instructions don't say so, but if you're sewing long stitches running the length of the pattern with very dark mocha brown thread (around the edges), I find it easiest to attach the thread so the lines stay straight. You can google this technique if you are not familiar with it. 7) It was very difficult for me to figure out where the French knots in "Light Yellow" are on the pattern. There are only two of them (it seems) and they are in the bottom two corners. I hope that was helpful. Such a beautiful pattern. I always prefer cross stitch kits because I don't like buying my own thread (I prefer to provide it) and this is probably my favorite kit of all time. If you have the patience, you won't regret finishing this project and showing it off. I've received so many compliments and I haven't even articulated them properly.